arborist ethics

What?!?! Unethical business people? Could it be?

If we don't report it to appropriate standards bodies then it will never be managed or mitigated. It will never go away. I think in the US it would be thru the FCC.

These are the opportunities for selling. Does anyone ask if there are competing quotes and if so from whom? Show the documentation that backs up your own ad? Put together a sales book that have copies of current certifications, awards, endorsements letters from clients and photos of various jobs that highlight the skills of your climbers. When the others show up and don't have this the prospective client may have second thoughts about them, and more so if their ads state certifications and the like.

If necessary, then point out these FACTS to your clients without besmirching or worse libelling your competition.

There shortcomings highlight your strengths...
 
Yah right..DRIVER'S license! Unless of course it's been pulled for DUI!
We had a fatality in Venice last year involving the owner of a tree co, who had no DL because of a MV fatality on his record from years ago. In this instance, he drove the chipper over one of his guys and tried to get the kid sitting next to him to hop into the driver's seat so he wouldn't get busted again!
How about the guys who buy used tree co vehicles and keep the CA stickers and association stickers on them even though none of the crew are CAs or members. Definitely the fault of the seller.
 
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Does anyone ask if there are competing quotes and if so from whom? Show the documentation that backs up your own ad? Put together a sales book that have copies of current certifications, awards, endorsements letters from clients and photos of various jobs that highlight the skills of your climbers. When the others show up and don't have this the prospective client may have second thoughts about them, and more so if their ads state certifications and the like.

If necessary, then point out these FACTS to your clients without besmirching or worse libelling your competition.

There shortcomings highlight your strengths...

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However in the world of take downs I find most people don't care and take the cheapest bid, coz at the end of the day why pay more for the same result and if they do bust something they're insured right?

Other comments I have heard are,

"you're all the same anyway" meaning whatever comes out of your mouth or pen is pretty standard for all ... similar to other registered, trained and licensed tradespeople.

"I'll have to get more bids now" refering to your price being too high as they've got more experience and bid on more trees than you.

"I didn't think it would be that expensive" see above
 
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in the world of take downs I find most people don't care and take the cheapest bid, coz at the end of the day why pay more for the same result and if they do bust something they're insured right?

[/ QUOTE ]I dunno Eric, very different results have been described here. No one wants to file a claim, no one wants to pay a deductible, no one wants something busted. Proof of past quality work and referrals from satisfied clients are good advertising and pull you above the hacks.
 
I agree with the above post. Another point is learning the difference between selling and estimating. Worlds apart and something that many tradespeople shy away from. The thought being that they are not salespeople so quote a price and shut up. Getting a prospective client to understand the rationale behind your price takes selling which begins with understanding your client and competition. Know your unique selling proposition. If the prospective buyer can't see the difference between you and the others then you're not doing your job.

It ain't easy but neither is the work we do.
 
Tree humper- is that an ode to how affectionate you are toward trees or the ferocity of toting them? Hey just kidding my man but I say this- you speak words of wisdom. Your post validates what I have been thinking to my self. Kudos on your articulation of a concept that I have been trying to get my head around.
 
Thanks, it is the term we used here for hip thrusting and became my online name on a dating site. The first time my wife saw me perform this on a tree she knew she was going to be a very happy woman.

all kidding aside, I've been the one on the job that's been underpriced and refused to compromise on the work. Once customer started complementing the work done and the professional manner the crew acted in we were able to influence our boss and his estimating skills. Still have to work on the selling side but all good things take time.
 
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I dunno Eric, very different results have been described here.

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Very different part of the world too.
 
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Jeeze man isn't there enough porn on the internet without you having to host it at a site for tree people?

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Apparently not, there's a whole new thread started yesterday and in true herd mentality many are posting even more ... even ole Nick from here has jumped into the action.
 

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Around my area I have seen 3 different companies that advertise that they have a "certified Arbourist on staff". I'm not sure what an Arbourist does, but apparently they are certified.
 
Back on topic. I am business owner that employs 2, sometimes 3 Certified Arborists. Do I advertise it? Darn right I do! Why wouldn't I? I want people to know we are a company that upholds the industry standards. How is that un ethical?
 
How could that possibly be unethical?? We advertise our certifications all over the bloody place; cards, brochures, vehicles, phone book ad. Sometimes it makes a difference. Most of the time it doesn't, but we are hoping that people will come around.
It does depend hugely on geographics. When we lived on Long Island, the vast majority of tree companies had CAs and consumers for the most part understood the difference. Here, even though we have a lot of northern transplants, people are pretty clueless. So as far as educating them, we have our work cut out for us.
 
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Jeeze man isn't there enough porn on the internet without you having to host it at a site for tree people?

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Apparently not, there's a whole new thread started yesterday and in true herd mentality many are posting even more ... even ole Nick from here has jumped into the action.

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Sorry to get off the topic here, but I am shocked to say the least.

Arborist's Ethics indeed.
 
Are you studying to become an ISA Certified Arborist? Why have you not become a certified arborist? How many crews do you have? If for some reason the 2 or 3 certified arborists leave your company to start their own.... Would you correct your ad? Do/Are these certified arborists at each tree job?

This is where the ethics come into play. A simple def of ethics is "a principle of right or good conduct". Does your ad say that the company employees certified arborists or does it imply that you are a certified arborist?

I guess it is part of how one feels about their own actions -- kindof a karma thing.
 
BCMA is a great sales tool for consulting.

There will be a series of articles in Tree Services Magazine about Certifications, starting with BCMA in the April issue. Subscriptions are free.

Mrs.M, your work will be made easier for you if you feed the local newspaper some items on tree care. http://www.isa-arbor.com/mediaSource/default.aspx

Also working with your local extension and Master Gardeners can spread the word.
 
Yes! exactly what I have been thinking about and not acting upon for ages now!

PSAs. I've been hesitant about cost, and too lazy to actually look into what that cost would be. I'll probably be kicking my own butt when I find out how inexpensive it could be! I need to get my certification release into the chamber newsletter and the local paper. I shall query then.
 
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